Do Gaming And Reading Go Hand In Hand?

By Author: Donald Plehn
Total Articles: 14
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Both teachers and parents often worry that kids have much too much “screen time” in their lives. Many parents especially are concerned about video games and do not think there really is much good in them. But is that really true? Actually, when they are the right video games, like those that help kids who are learning how to read, it could be just what the doctor (or teacher) ordered.

Why Video Games?

Getting kids tuned into learning is not always an easy task. It can be tough to interest them in concepts outside of video games. Introduce the basics of learning how to spell and read along with essential pre-reading skills like phonics, into the world of video games, and you have an unbeatable combo that is ideal to get kids into books.

The World of Educational Games

Since kids started carrying Game Boys in their backpacks, teachers have known they have a fight on their hands. The reality, though, is that since that time, many have been working to establish learning games that actually help teach kids a variety of necessary skills. The goal has always been to provide a traditional, commercial gaming ...
... experience while still incorporating the right elements to help kids learn.

Choosing the Right Games

The most important facet of using online games to help your child with his reading skills is selecting the perfect games. While there are many different titles, brands, and sites that promise you real results, not all of them are able to deliver. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand a bit more about what to look for.

- Look for something that’s age appropriate. If your child is working to attain those early pre-reading skills, you want games that play to those needs, not ones that are far too hard (or even too easy) for them. Find games that are rated to his skill level.

- Find games that offer performance reports. You’re not going to be able to tell how well your child is doing if you don’t see some performance analytics. It can give you a bit of information to move forward with when your child plays again or when you sit down to work with your child on those reading skills.

- Look for characters your child knows. Incorporating well known characters, like Looney Tunes phonics games, or something similar, is a great way to get your child interested in playing the game and getting those necessary skills.

- Looking for games that have been reviewed by the academic community. If you’re searching for reading programs for kids online, find the choices that have some solid research behind them, not just those that make unsubstantiated claims.

Reading games online are a great way to help your child succeed, but the key is getting the right games.

Article Source: ClickN KIDS